WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today joined in commending Rotary International for one hundred years of service to humanity as the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 142, legislation authored by Schakowsky.  Rotary International’s headquarters is in Evanston, Illinois, which Schakowsky represents.

Below is Schakowsky’s full Floor statement:

“As the author of this legislation and with the honor of representing the 9^th Congressional District of Illinois, home to the Headquarters of Rotary International in Evanston, Illinois, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 142, a bill marking 100 years of service to humanity by Rotarians around the world.”  

“I want to thank the Chairman and ranking member of the Government Reform Committee for their assistance in moving this bill to the Floor and my colleague from Illinois, Mr. Kirk, for his support for this legislation.”

“The celebration of Rotary’s centennial will culminate in the place where it all began, Chicago, during the organization’s upcoming convention to be held in mid-June. There, Rotarians from all over the world will gather to mark 100 years of service to humanity and to rededicate themselves to Rotary’s ongoing mission of service above self.”

“Rotary International was founded on February 23, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois.  It is the world's first service club and one of the largest nonprofit service organizations in the world.” 

“Rotary provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world.”

“Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 31,000 Rotary clubs located in 166 countries. Approximately 400,000 Rotarians belong to clubs throughout the United States and in virtually every congressional district.”

“The world's Rotary clubs meet weekly and are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.”

“The main objective of Rotary is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. Rotarians develop community service projects that address many of today's most critical issues, such as children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracy, and violence. They also support programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers, and other professionals, and vocational and career development.”

“The Rotary motto of Service Above Self is an example for all humanity and certainly one for the members of this body.”

“Today, Rotarians are united in a campaign for the global eradication of polio. In the 1980s, Rotarians raised $240 million to immunize the children of the world; by the end of  2005, the Polio-Plus program will have contributed $500 million to this cause. Rotary has provided an army of volunteers to promote and assist at national immunization days in polio-endemic countries around the world.”

“Due in large part to Rotary’s efforts, the number of polio cases has fallen from an estimated 350,000 in 1988 to less than 1,300 in 2004 – a more than 99% decline in reported cases. More than 200 countries and territories are polio-free.”

“From the launch of the global initiative in 1988, to the eradication target date of 2005, 5 million people who would otherwise have been paralyzed will be walking because they have been immunized against polio. Polio incidence has been reduced 99% since Rotary started its global initiative in 1988.” 

“It is my hope that today we will  not only pass this resolution but that we will also dedicate ourselves to meeting Rotary International’s call for adequate funding for the fight against Polio in 2006.  Rotary is seeking a total of $106.4 million for the polio eradication efforts of the CDC; and $32 million for the polio eradication activities of USAID. And this Congress should support Rotary’s great work by providing those needed funds.”

“Rotary International shares the mission that drives so many of us in this body.   Rotary International promotes world understanding through international humanitarian service programs and educational and cultural exchanges. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and others who share its vision of a better world. Since 1947, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.1 billion in humanitarian and educational grants.” 

“Again, I want to urge my colleagues to join me in passing this legislation, in honoring the work and members of Rotary International for 100 years of service to humanity, and for their role in improving the world.  I hope that over the next 100 years, Rotary’s membership will continue to grow and its great service will continue.”